So come 6th July the Rayleigh Mill was graced by the recently Download Festival rockers and upcoming Suffolk band Fearless Vampire Killers, of whom play Gothic-tinged Pop Rock but dress for the occasion in the sort of steampunk, victorian elegancy. In tow were Gothic Rockers Ashestoangels who hail from the deepest caves of Bristol and have been a frequent name mentionned in the underground rock scene. Folllowing them were three of Essex's finest rock bands, well known pop punkers Evarane, folk rockers (and BOTB 2011 winners) Boy Cries Wolf and newbies Such Strange Arts.

Global Metal Apocalypse caught up with the new boys Such Strange Arts and spoke to them about the band history and what ventures the lads are embarking on.

< Scott had to use light to find the bass strings

Fired up on Pop Punk Rock is Essex lads Such Strange Arts, supported by Classic Rock and framed by the sound of experimental music. However, this Rayleigh quintet bring themsevles together to deliver a stellar performance, both musically and theatrically. By the guitarist doing star jumps effectively mid-air and the drummer twirling the drumsticks around in sync with the audio performance. Such Strange Arts have tonight set the stage alight in preparation for the almighty storms that are brewing in the venue and are forecasted to shower rock music all over the crowd, but for Such Straneg Arts, their work id done, they have done well and are sure to become better with each gig and are a sure band to watch out for.

[8]

< Evarane attacked the crowd in numbers

Southend's Evarane did not fail to impress tonight, the Pop Punkers immersed the crowd in their heavenly vocals and melodic music to captivate everyone in the room. With catchy songs like 'The Fear' in their repetoire, it would seem non-apparent to disregard them as an adventurous band, with Beka's vocals echoing a powerful and party-feel vocal sound around the venue, Nile's erotic riffing and the rest of the band giving a full-on rock epic as a backdrop, this is perhaps Evarane at their best, it will be interesting to see how this sextet develop. With Kris on drums (he plays for Crash Mansion too) and the other musicians providing a wall of sound, this is Evarane how you'd expect them to be.

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

< Toby Shaer tried staring out someone with a bigger violin

The folk rockers Boy Cries Wolf played their socks off with their edgy yet sophistcated mix of rock music, violins and country style atmosphere, none the less the Essex septet (sextet on the night) delivered a brilliant display of what is lacking in the regional music scene, creativity and genious. But one thing that let them down tonight was the fact the lyrics were read off a phone which is really unprofessional but given due it probably was not the vocalist singing tonight and so the excuse is made. Still surely it is down to the band to know how the songs go? It would have been more awkward if the crowd singing over-powered the band. But rest assured it was a decent enough performance tonight.

[6.5]

< Adam thought the bartender spoke to him when shouting out that it's last orders.

Once in a while you find a band that totally dominates their genre category, well Ashestoangels are on that path to glory for Gothic Rock, their performance tonight was one of best that has ever been at the Rayleigh Mill. But whatever happens to the Bristol rockers, they have played well tonight. From Adam's crazy antics on and off stage to the vampire-like look of the band. Ashestoangels certainly blew the night up all over the place with a DIY attitude to their set and naturally the brilliance in the interaction with the crowd, of which was not one bit missed and ended up with Adam Crilly (vocals) bending over on the floor in the middle of the crowd, now that is truly rock 'n' roll.

[9]

< Laurence couldnt help but give Kier some loving

It came down to one band and that was Fearless Vampire Killers, the headliners of this evening 'rockathon'. The Suffolk quintet who have recently demolished Download Festival have gone on tour with Ashestoangels and tonight brought their a-game with them. Dressed the part in steampunk/victorian style gothic clothing and playing pop punk / death rock, the five-piece prove why they are an emerging act on the circuit and are sure to emerge victorious at many other future gigs regardless of the venue or line-up, this is a band who have captivated many people and are sure to do this time and time again.